Americans Elect Poodle as Obama's Top Dog
Now that Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has chosen his vice president, it's time for him to concentrate on another important selection: family dog. The American Kennel Club® (AKC) announced today that the public has elected a Poodle as their breed of choice for the Obama family.
The AKC launched its poll to find a breed for Obama (www.presidentialpup.com) after reports that - win or lose - the Obamas promised their two daughters a dog after the presidential election. More than 42,000 people cast their vote over the seven week campaign. The Poodle clinched the nomination after the breed battled it out with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in a race almost as tight as Clinton and Obama's run for the Democratic nomination for president. The Poodle won by a (dog) hair, with just a few hundred votes separating the top two contenders.
The Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, and Chinese Crested were also nominated, due to their distinct characteristics that made them uniquely suited for the Obama family - hypoallergenic coat, child friendly, moderate energy level, and stable and social temperament.
"Most of our Presidents kept purebreds in the White House," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "When times get tough - during a bad economy or when presidential pressures are at their peak - these dogs serve as personal companions and give much relaxation and laughter to our leaders during difficult times."
If the Obamas follow America's advice and choose a Poodle, the AKC will assist them in responsibly acquiring a puppy or adult rescue dog. The AKC's puppy buyer resource page at www.puppybuyerinfo.com offers links to responsible breeders who are members of AKC clubs as well as to affiliated breed rescue groups that have dogs for adoption. For instance, the Poodle National Breed Club web site can be located at http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/usamap.htm.
The Obama family may be adding a dog to their household for the first time, but Republican nominee John McCain is ahead of the pack with 24 pets, including four dogs. Therefore, animal lovers may be ready to help him "fetch" the election. According to a recent Associated Press survey,"pet owners favor McCain over Obama 42 percent to 37 percent, with dog owners particularly in McCain's corner."
"It's no surprise the American public choose a Poodle for Obama," said Peterson. "Poodles are currently the eighth most popular breed in the U.S., according to 2007 AKC registrations statistics, and it spent more than two decades in the top spot - a true testament to its suitability as a family pet. And while Poodles require frequent grooming, their consistent and predictable coat is crucial for their daughter and all who suffer from allergies."
Poodles, often considered high-maintenance show dogs, can also be kept in a simple one-length clip. They are exceptionally smart and athletic, excel in obedience training and are great hunting companions. They are one of the breeds that come in three sizes, so it can easily accommodate living in the White House or at Camp David. The Standard variety is the largest size, measuring over 15 inches. It is the oldest of the three varieties and developed for water retrieving. The Miniature variety measures over 10 inches but less than 15 inches. It is speculated that the Miniature variety may have been used for truffle hunting. The Toy Poodle measures 10 inches and under and was often used in performances and traveling entertainment groups. Learn more about the Poodle and if it's a good fit for your family at http://www.akc.org/breeds/poodle/.
Canine Candidates:
 The Bichon Frise |
The Bichon Frise (pronounced BEE-shon Free-ZAY) — A small yet sturdy dog with a white, loosely curled double coat, Bichons are naturally sociable. They have a self-assured temperament and are likely to get along with just about everyone (including members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation). Their active, alert and curious personalities make them easy to train, and the breed's history of being a companion to noblemen in the courts of 16th-century France have primed it for a high-profile life in the White House. Additional information for those considering a Bichon Frise can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/bichon_frise/puppy.cfm |
 The Chinese Crested |
The Chinese Crested — Their Chinese and African heritage makes for an exotic pedigree, and with its unique appearance it's certain to turn heads. Coming in two varieties, hairless and the powderpuff, Cresteds are lively, playful and alert dogs with plenty of energy. While they are exceptionally loving and affectionate with children, they are only appropriate for mature children who can be taught to handle this diminutive breed gently and responsibly. Additional information for those considering a Chinese Crested can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/chinese_crested/puppy.cfm |
 The Miniature Schnauzer |
The Miniature Schnauzer — Schnauzers also come in three sizes (although unlike the Poodle, each size is considered a separate breed). The Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular of the three breeds and is an active, alert dog who loves to be the center of the household. This versatile breed makes a sturdy playmate for kids, is highly intelligent and an excellent watchdog (qualifying him for Secret Service duties perhaps?). Additional information for those considering a Miniature Schnauzer can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_schnauzer/puppy.cfm |
 The Poodle |
The Poodle — Although often considered high-maintenance show dogs, Poodles are exceptionally smart and athletic. They excel in obedience training and even as hunting companions. The breed comes in three sizes. While their coat does require frequent grooming, their intelligence and versatility more than make up for the extra care. The Poodle is currently the eighth most popular breed in the U.S., according to AKC® registrations statistics, but it spent more than two decades in the top spot -- a testament to its suitability as a family pet. Additional information for those considering a Poodle can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/poodle/puppy.cfm |
 The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier — The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's coat grows longer on his chin and over his eyes, giving him a scruffy appearance, but this intelligent, affectionate and loving breed makes a dignified companion. The breed's playfulness and courageous spirit would likely make him an ambassador of goodwill in the White House. Despite their affectionate and gentle nature, they are true terriers and thus must be handled firmly, fairly and with consistency. Additional information for those considering a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/soft_coated_wheaten_terrier/puppy.cfm |
Meet McCain's Canines
|
The English Springer Spaniel — The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog of combined beauty and utility. He can function both as a hard-working hunting companion or an adoring family pet. The versatile breed would fare well in the White House (city life) or during retreats to Camp David (country life). A typical spaniel, the breed is eager to please, quick to learn and always willing to obey. Additional information for those considering an English Springer Spaniel can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/ english_springer_spaniel/puppy.cfm |
The Yorkshire Terrier — Yorkshire Terriers, despite their diminutive size, are true to terrier temperament - they will play hard and be unafraid to investigate their surroundings. They are also ideal travel companions who desire nothing more than to always be by their owners' side. Ranking second in popularity amongst all AKC breeds (outdone only by the universally lovable Labrador Retriever), this portable pooch is sure to win support for the McCain family wherever they go. Additional information for those considering a Yorkshire Terrier can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/ yorkshire_terrier/puppy.cfm |
